Seventeen year-old Grace grows up knowing she’s different, but she always attributed it to a mother who didn’t want her, a father who abandoned her, and a curse that sets her apart. Despite those struggles, her grandfather remained her rock and confidant. Her life irrevocably shatters the day her grandfather dies.
The day of his funeral sets off a chain of events, making Grace question everything she’s ever known to be true, and as a result, who she can truly trust. She inherits his house, part of his money, his Guardian and something that ties them together.
Just before Grace’s 18th birthday, she is thrust into a world she couldn’t fathom existed and does everything she can to thwart the destiny suddenly forced upon her. She’s been chosen for greatness, but at what cost? With eyes now open, she must choose to either be Chosen, or watch those around her suffer the consequences.
Torn between the man who’s come to protect her and the one sent to destroy her, she teeters on the edge of decision, trying to come to grips with who she is, what she wants and what all of that means for her, those she loves and the rest of mankind.
On this lovely day, I bring to your attention one of my favoritest people ever! Karen Hoover, author of the Wolfchild Saga & The Misadventures of a Teenage Wizard! Why do I bring your attention to Karen today? Well let me give you a little back story first.
You see, in 2007 I was a lonely little teenage girl looking for her place in the world. I had very few friends, no social life whatsoever and I really had no idea what I was going to do with my life. And then. . . I met Karen. (Okay so a LOT of back story was left out, but if you've been around here a while, you should know the parts I left out.)
The part involving Karen is the important part for this story. Anyway, I met Karen. And Karen took me under her writing wing, made some wings for me, helped me stretch those wings and then threw me out a window. And in Writer Translation, She taught me how to write novels, helped me, tutored me, and sent me out into the world with the idea that I could be a writer and the knowledge to succeed.
So if you have read this blog long enough, you know that I LOVE Karen. And her books are stunning. Her writing is incredible and I am a huge fan of her books!! So here is the thing, in the Wolfchild Saga, she has released TWO books. The Third book -The Emerald Wolf- was supposed to be published and released months ago. AND Karen hasn't been able to send that book out to the world yet.
Why? Because of personal matters. SO I need your help! I am calling out to ALL of you to help me get Karen on her feet again. Let us help her stretch those wings and toss her out a window. (And to clarify, I mean let us encourage her and let her know how much we REALLY want to read The Emerald Wolf.)
HOW? Let me tell you!
I want you to FLOOD her blog with LOVE!!
Say wha? Yep that is right, Follow, Leave comments, the whole shabang!
E-mail Karen begging her to release The Emerald Wolf: 100pts
(Her e-mail can be found under the 'Contact" tab on her blog)
Oh yeah, and she doesn't know about this (yet) anyway, so don't tell her I am sending you her way. That is right, this is a surprise to raise her spirits and help her get going again!
Oh yes, and before I forget, the prize:
Prize One: The Ultimate Swag Pack! (US Only)
Posters, Buttons, Bookmarks, Pens, a Mug & A Wolf charm Bookmark (metal).
+
Bookmarks and Bracelets from some other incredible authors!! (More to be included that are NOT in the picture)
So after you swarm Karen's blog what do you do? Come back here, and fill out the form below!
The Midwest lies in complete ruins after a catastrophic disaster kills tens of thousands and leaves hundreds of thousands injured. Nicholas Keller emerges out of the devastation as a shining light of hope for all. But his newfound fame comes with a price that his aunt will not let him pay. They flee into the shadows in order to protect his secret. However, as Nicholas begins his sophomore year at his fifth school in five years, strange and unexpected things begin to happen. He soon tumbles into a web of doomed love, extraordinary talents and a secret past, which threatens the lives of everyone he cares about. It’s up to Nicholas to confront the truth, even if it means his own death
My Review:
The second I
finished Secrets, all I could wonder is “Where is book two?” Secrets is an incredible story, intriguing, captivating
and beautifully written. I look forward to reading more from Tim.
I LOVE
Nicholas. He is someone that you can
relate to. Especially when you didn’t
grow up with a normal school life either.
He is a strong character that you cannot help to cheer on and hope he
wins! I also love Elle. Strong willed, full of heart and
loveable.
Secrets was a nice
breather from the usual. It keeps you
captivated and although some parts did feel a little long, you can’t help but
to continue reading, dying to know the big secret!
A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.
In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.
When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.
And now. . .a n excerpt from Black City:
The atmosphere in the kitchen drops by a few degrees when Ash spots me sitting at the table. Surprise registers on his face.
He’s changed out of his school uniform and is now wearing dark trousers, leather work boots and a fitted black shirt that accentuates every inch of his powerful, muscular frame.
He looks at me, into me, like he can see every secret I have, every rush of my blood. My pulse races with fear and a much more disturbing, unexpected emotion: desire.
I turn away, horrified at my body’s reaction to him. It’s sick and irrational. He’s a Darkling, a predator that would gladly rip my throat out, given the slightest provocation. Then why are my cheeks burning so red?
I’m just hot from the fire, that’s all.
“Ash!” MJ beams.
“Hey, MJ. I swear you’ve shot up another inch since I last saw you,” Ash replies, ignoring the frosty look from Day.
“You’ll be almost as tall as me one day.”
MJ laughs at this. I doubt anyone will be as tall as Ash. He has to hunch over to stop his head from hitting the low ceiling as he walks over to Michael, passing him a crate of canned goods. It all seems so absurd. Ash is a Darkling, not to mention a Haze dealer. He’s a monster.
If that’s true, then why is Ash giving Day’s family all that food? my father’s gentle voice whispers inside my head. Is that the action of a monster?
A Darkling murdered you! I angrily silence him.
Great, now I’m having arguments with my own imagination. That’s how much Ash Fisher’s unsettling me.
Today is my stop on The Revelation Blog Tour! Read about some great novels, learn about an incredible author and friend and maybe even enter a giveaway!
Revelation Synopsis:
Some fairytales begin with once upon a time and end with happily ever after. Revelation, book 2 in The Pedalstem Lillies series, is a not that fairytale. Join Blaze once again, as she struggles through the darkness. Her adventure for the truth is deadly as it’s pieced together with schemes, plots and wicked intentions.A violent disagreement finds her out and about, with a man whose presence is forbidden, and is forced to seek shelter.Heat and electricity engulf them as the oncoming storm reveals the secrets. Exhausted and breathless, their plan for revenge awakens with sunrise. The scene is set and the lines are drawn. Purity & Power VS. Menace & Mayhem. Who will be left standing when the magic clears?
This isn't your mother’s sweet love story and it’s not your sister’s fairytale. Chaos Unleashed is dark, dangerous, and highly addictive. You will share in every experience the hero and heroine have, as their quest for the truth leads them to the hateful dark void that threatens to consume their souls. Pedalstem is shrouded in darkness, leaving Castle Deverox in a vortex of confusion. Blaze awakens to find men she doesn’t know looming over, intent on capture, a handsome prisoner sharing her fate, and the gut tightening knowledge that her memories have been stolen.
CLICK HERE to watch the Chaos Unleashed Book trailer.
CLICK HERE to add Chaos Unleashed to your Goodreads shelf.
Author Bio: Although I have always enjoyed writing, the dream to become a writer came when I read A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, in the sixth grade. My early works, not published, were in the form of children’s stories I would read to my two daughters. I divide my days between the real world and the ones I’ve created. My life and my characters keep me very busy in my Mid-Western scene, where I live with my husband, and my children (both human and furry.
Funny things, super powers. I mean really, what one man may consider to be a power, another man may consider to be a problem. I suppose it is all about perspective.
You see, I have a problem. But when this problem is discussed in books and movies, it is known as a power. What is is? Super Hearing.
Don't laugh. I'm being serious at the moment. And I'm honestly just trying to give you a new perspective.
No I can't hear what is going on three states away. I can't even hear my next door neighbors. (We live kinda far apart.) But I can my family a floor below me and one room over.
When I go to the theater, I can hear the couple making out in the back row. Yeah, the couple that think they are being so sneaky? It isn't working for them.
The customer three aisles over complaining about prices to their spouse? Yep, I can hear it.
The friends sitting side by side during the concert? Yeah they've been whispering quite loudly the entire time.
The point is, I hear a LOT more than most people can. So. . ., why is it a bad thing? Well let me tell you.
Reasons really good hearing is horrible:
In a crowded room full of multiple conversations, I can hear each one of them.
There is never ending noise.
I hear things I wish I hadn't. (People who talk behind your back, don't like you having this power either.)
I can hear every little thing. Including the saliva rolling around the food you're chewing. (And as if that wasn't bad enough, I have what is known as Misophonia).
I would much rather listen to the concert over the whispering friends, the movie over the couple making out and I really don't want to know what you think about those prices.
I could go on but I think the point is clear. What one may consider a power, I consider a problem.
Although, there are a few good things that have come from it. For example, I now know how important perspective is. And while writing about super powers in my novel, I understand through experience that every power has a downside.
What power would you want? What do you think the downside would be?
So as you saw last week, I LOVE Etsy. More importantly, I LOVE the people I meet on Etsy. And today I am going to introduce you to one of the most wonderful, awesome people I've ever met through Etsy.
Meet Virginia.
Here is a little about her.
I am basically a self taught artist with some schooling thrown in there...I have been creative since I can remember. I love to learn and feel you are never to old to do so! I strive for quality. I am a bit of a perfectionist.. Sometimes even driving myself a bit crazy. Art has always been my love and passion. It has gotten me through some of the toughest of times. Along with my passion for the fight against animal cruelty. I have taught art & craft classes in the past, I also have been doing shows for years. I've had work published in two major craft magazines.
And HERE is where you can look at some of her BEAUTIFUL work!
Now, aside from just being awesome and totally cool to work with,
Virginia is giving away one of her works of art!
This piece to be specific.
(Wondering where you've seen something similar? CLICK HERE! Yep, I've given away another one of her Keepsake boxes before!)
So, as you can see her work is beautiful, perfect and totally something you want!
If you haven't figured it out by now, I LOVE Airicka Phoenix.
Her writing is stunning, I LOVE Touching Smoke and she is simply awesome!
So it is my pleasure to be a part of the Touching Eternity Blog Tour!
What will we be doing today? Well a Character Interview!
But. . .Not with just anyone. Oh no, this character is a very important character.
Meet Mr. Garrison:
Konstanz: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Mr. Garrison: My name is Terrell Garrison. I am the creator of the Amalie Project. Twelve years ago, my wife selfishly took her own life, leaving me to raise a daughter just like her, not just in looks, but with the same sickness infecting their minds. I couldn't save my wife, but I will not let the disease take my daughter.
Konstanz: If you had to describe your looks as if you were talking about someone else, how would you describe yourself?
Mr. Garrison: Tall, handsome in an aristocratic manner with sharp features, wavy brown hair and green eyes. Nose is on the larger side, beakish almost and his face is narrow.
Konstanz: What is your biggest dream/goal in life?
Mr. Garrison: To complete my research in genetic mutation. Once I have tapped into the hidden compartment of the human mind, I am positive I will be able save others like my wife, Abigail, thus save my daughter from becoming like her, a monster.
Konstanz: What is the hardest decision you have ever had to make? (Remember, no spoilers)
Mr. Garrison: Everything I do must be thought out carefully. Every decision is riddled with complications. I take nothing lightly, but my hardest decision was finding new methods to cure Amalie.
Konstanz: Favorite Food?
Mr. Garrison: Lamb in curry sauce with lentil and potatoes.
Konstanz: What are a few of your hobbies?
Mr. Garrison: I don’t have time for mindless activities. My work is important and must never be taken lightly.
Konstanz: What is your biggest fear? (NO SPOILERS)
Mr. Garrison: Being unable to keep Amalie from failing. All my work, my years of research will have been for nothing if she does not take to my treatments.
Thank you kindly for having me. I hope my answers have been informative. I wish you luck in your endeavors.
~ Terrell Garrison
And now, a little about Touching Eternity:
What would you choose?
She had everything but freedom. He had nothing but his loyalty, his wits and his training.
She was a prisoner, a disease, not fit for the world, and she didn't know why. But she did know she wasn't allowed to die, she wasn't allowed to live and she wasn't sane.
He was a soldier, a protector, but his foundation will be tested when he must destroy the only light in his dark world.
Thrown together, prisoner and keeper, their rebellion will splinter through time, changing the course of history and the fate of the world. Their love will challenge their greatest enemy and immortalize them forever.
Loyalty. Freedom. Love.
What would you risk?
"Let me die."
Pain darkened his eyes. "Never."
The Book Trailer:
A little about Airicka and where you can find her:
Airicka Phoenix is the author of TOUCHING SMOKE (Touch Book #1), TOUCHING ETERNITY (Touch 1.5), TORRID, a short story as part of the Whispered Beginnings: A Clever Fiction Anthology and WANTING & INTENTIONS, two stories as part of the Midnight Surrender Anthology. When she's not hammering away at the keyboard, she can be found banishing pirates or crawling through the attic looking for lost treasure with her kids. She loves baking, gardening and reading. She also likes to travel and take pictures of everything she comes across. When asked, Airicka describes herself as a sarcastic basket case that has an unhealthy addiction to chocolate, old movies and really bad jokes. She loves to laugh, make friends and write. If she could have one wish granted, it would be to spend one day as a fly-on-the-wall inside Stephen King's mind. If she could have two wishes granted, she would ask for a castle dedicated entirely to her overwhelming collection of books.
Recently, there have been many conversations about authors paying bloggers to review their book. . . and give it a good review. And I just feel I need to say this; No one can pay me to post a false review. I cannot be bribed, tricked or forced to do it.
Let me tell you right now, my entire life goal, - if nothing else- is to help Authors! Indie, Traditional, un-published entirely! It doesn't matter. So, if I give a book a five star review, it is because in my eyes and by my measurements, it deserved five stars.
If I give a book three stars, it is because I believe it deserved three stars. Not because it is a bad book, in fact by my measurements, that is quite good.
Why do you rarely see bad reviews on this blog? Because MY LIFE GOAL IS TO HELP AUTHORS. So if an author asks me to review their book, and I read the book and don't like it, I tell the author first and let them decide whether or not I post the review.
This is not because I only want the best of the best on my blog. It is because I do not want my personal opinion of a book to affect the sales. Just because I hate a book, doesn't make it a bad book. And just because I like a book, doesn't make it a good book. It just means that I personally did or did not like it, enjoy it, or find it enjoyable for whatever reason.
For instance, I personally did not LOVE Divergent. Yes, it was a good read, Yes I finished it, Yes I will read the second book. NO, I wouldn't give it five stars. It just isn't my favorite thing.
I LOVE Once Upon A Marigold and yet, I have only ever met ONE person who knew what book I was talking about when I mentioned it. Would I give it five stars? Absolutely. In fact, I will post my review of it and Divergent on the blog within the next couple weeks!
So YES, most of the reviews posted on my blog rank high. NO, none of the reviews are fake.
And while we're talking about reviews, check out my newest blog, dedicated to Reviews and Book Blog Tours! CLICK HERE! (I started this blog with my friend so we will be doing it together. But stop by, say hi, feel free to follow and if you have a book and you're looking for reviews, send us one!)
Max Sanchez is the “it” kid at Port Fare High. He’s the star of the baseball team, he’s dating head cheerleader Emma McKay, and he has a throng of wonderful, supportive friends. JD Miller is the school’s punching bag, verbally and emotionally. He has a loving mother, but her choice in boyfriends is questionable, leaving him a target at home as well as school. A tragic car accident ends it all for Max when his soul is prematurely removed from his body. The powers that be have asked him to go back to earth temporarily to help classmate JD. Max, always up for a challenge, takes it as a chance to see his beloved Emma again and quickly jumps at what he views as the easy task of helping JD. Max knows with a little cardio he can easily whip the guy into shape, ending all his troubles. While staying mentally connected to JD, Max’s soul steps into JD’s body. However, Max’s reality is shattered as he enters a world void of love and hope: JD’s world--life as the bullied kid. Will he survive? Will JD? Did Emma's love for Max die also? Will Max be able to help these Souls in Peril, or is it all as hopeless as JD believes?
My Review:
I was taken away with Souls in Peril. Max is the perfect kid in High School. He's a good student, a great baseball player and is dating the hottest cheerleader at school. What could go wrong? Well, a lot could go wrong. And it does. Each moment keeps you guessing. Every hardship has you feeling for Max and JD alike. Every moment could end it all and you can't help but to route for Max and JD to make it. In a world of color, JD's life is black. And through a tragedy, he is shown the light once more. The writing was good, the characters are believable and you can only love them. The story makes you realize there is always hope to be found. I do wish that maybe things went a little faster. While I loved every moment, some moments just seemed too slow. And my heart ached watching JD/Max suffer through so much. I also did not particularly enjoy the VERY end. Other than that, I LOVED it! Souls in Peril was a good read and I look forward to more. (My copy of Souls in Peril was provided by the author for an honest review.)
(My copy of Souls in Peril was provided by the author for an honest review.)
If you like the darker side of fairy tales, especially ones twisting in ways
you wouldn't expect, you won’t want to miss out on Bonded by Michelle Davidson Argyle. Author Elana Johnson calls this
collection of three fairy tale novellas, “Magical storytelling. The only
consolation when one story ends is knowing there's another one waiting” Author
Chantele Sedgwick says it is, “Romantic and enchanting. Ms. Argyle has a
captivating voice and beautiful writing.”
What happened after Cinderella married her prince? How
did the evil sorceress in Sleeping Beauty
turn evil in the first place? Discover these stories and a world filled with
magic, forbidden love, elves, sprites, dragons, and the most powerful creatures
of all— the fairies —in Bonded, a collection of three fairy tale inspired
novellas. Based on three fairy tales, Bonded contains a fairy tale continuation
(Cinderella), a fairy tale retelling
(One-Eye, Two-Eyes, Three-Eyes), and
a fairy tale prequel (Sleeping Beauty).
You can't tell me that you aren't dying to read this book. (Trust me, you are. And if you're not, you should be.).
Don't believe me? Here is a more detailed description of the book.
Detailed Book Description:
CINDERS: A Cinderella sequel. Money can’t buy
love, but magic isn’t a sure bet either. Cinderella, now officially a princess,
finds royal life is not what she once dreamed. When a mysterious elf from her
past stirs up long-suppressed passion, Cinderella begins to wonder if there
really is love beneath the spell that captured her husband’s heart. But undoing
magic can be harder than casting the initial spell, and the results are even
less predictable.
THIRDS: A retelling of the Grimm’s fairy tale, One-Eye,
Two-Eyes, Three-Eyes. Issina is surrounded by magic, yet none of it
belongs to her. Despised and abused by her mother and sisters, she finds
comfort when she meets the beautiful elves living in the nearby woods. The
elves want to help her discover her own magic, but it’s not the kind of power
she hoped for, and she learns there is more to magic than getting what you
want.
SCALES: A Sleeping Beauty prequel. The sun
never sets in the realm of the fairies. When the young fairy Serina looks into
her sister’s eyes, she sees darkness for the first time. After her mother is
murdered, Serina defies fairy law to follow her sister to the human realm.
There she discovers the strength of a bond, the weight of a promise, and the
darkness in her own heart.
And now. . .the moment you've all been waiting for; My Review:
Not for the faint of heart, Bonded opens your eyes to the darker side of fairy tales. Cinders shows us that not all stories end with a Happily Ever After.Thirds shows us the power of family and forgiveness and Scales shows us the darkness hidden in secrets.
And all in all, you will be captivated, reading until the very end and only wanting more when you get there.
As it has been with all that I have read by Michelle, the writing is beautiful, stunning.
The characters come to life on the pages and without realizing it, you are whisked away on a journey with them, feeling for them and rooting for them.
Filled with emotion, this book will make you laugh, smile, weep, gasp, and cry some more.
To Michelle, please write more because I just can't get enough!
Over all rating? 5 Musical Notes.
A huge Thank you for everyone who participated and our wonderful hosts!
And, Congratulations to Jennifer @ Fictitious Musings! Our winner! (An e-mail will be sent shortly. Winner will have 48 hours to reply or prize is forfeit.)
For the fun of it, I went through all of the recommended books and decided to post the list here. Upon going through the list, I found that we have a three way tie.
The book: Number of Times it was recommended:
Eden Brooke: 1 Insurgent: 7
A Monster Calls: 1
A Tale Dark & Grimm: 1
What the Dead Know: 1
Linger: 2
A Northern Light: 1
The Poison Tree: 1
Storybound: 1
Rootless: 1
Born Wicked: 1
The Space between Trees: 1
Shadows: 1
Firebirds Rising Anthology: 1
Under the Dome: 1
Bridge to Terabethia: 2 Shiver: 7
Misery: 1
Splintered: 1
Swoon: 1
Beautiful Creatures: 2
Everlost: 1
Blood Magic: 1
Realm of the lost: 1
The Touch of Ghosts: 1
Creatura: 1
In the hand of the Goddess: 1
Speak: 2
The Fever Series: 1
The Magician King: 1
Merrick: 1
The Crossroads: A Haunted Mystery: 1 Born at Midnight: 7
The Witch of Heloron: 1
The Giving Tree: 3
Cinder and Ella: 1
Miss Peregrine's Home of Peculiar Children: 1
The Tree Grows in Brooklyn: 1
Anne of Green Gables: 1
My Boyfriend Merlin: 2
The Princess Curse: 1
Belle (A re-tell of Beauty and the Beast): 1
Blood by Magic: 1
So now that you see the list and you know which books tied, it is time for a tie-breaker:
In the comments, tell me which one of these three books should win and why. The book with the most votes will win! (And on lucky voter will win a special prize!)
Contest ends 11-9-12 at midnight.
This is for fun and is not meant to offend anyone including the authors.
Please be kind in the comments.
Please share this contest with all your friends. The more votes, the more fun!
If there is a good response, I will be making this a monthly event. So truly, please share!
Good luck and have fun!
